News Article

Edison College Respiratory Care Program excels nationally

May 8, 2007


As part of its regular accreditation review, Edison College’s Respiratory Care Program has received a commendation for quality from the national organization that certifies such programs.

The Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care reported that Edison’s program met or exceeded all thresholds for performance. This includes the ratio of students passing their national registry exams compared to the total number of graduates over a three-year period.

In addition to exceptional graduate performance, the class of 2006 has a 100 percent job placement rate in hospitals and other medical facilities, with starting salaries typically ranging from $39,000 to $45,000 plus benefits.

Students must pass a national registry exam given by the National Board for Respiratory Care in order to be nationally recognized and licensed to practice as RRTs--registered respiratory therapists. The exams certify the students are competent in clinical management of respiratory care patients, have technical proficiency in cardiopulmonary diagnostic procedures, and have technical proficiency in emergency intervention for patients in both hospital and outpatient settings.

The Committee on Accreditation issued the commendation to District President Kenneth P. Walker, Program Director Dr. Jeffrey Elsberry, Sindee K. Karpel, MPA, RRT, AE-C, Director of Clinical Education, and the program’s faculty.

“The exceptional performance of our Respiratory Care graduates is testament to their perseverance and dedication in classroom, laboratory and clinical studies over the past two years, and to the quality of our instructional and student services team,” said Elsberry.

Respiratory Care is one of 12 limited access degree and certificate programs at Edison College that prepare students for careers in the health care field. For enrollment information, call Evelyn Gierbolini, Health Professions program advisor, at 239-985-8316 or visit the Respiratory Care website.

Last Updated: May 8, 2007

Back to News Archives